ER1(3) chosen for Police CBRN Kit
NEW HELMET ORDERED FOR USE WITH POLICE CBRN KIT
Following an extensive assessment and evaluation process, the Police National CBRN Centre, through the Operational Response Programme, have selected the Cromwell ER1(3) helmet for use with the UK Police CBRN protective clothing CR1 ensemble.
The helmet underwent a stringent 12 month evaluation process within a competitive tendering exercise that included frontline police officers putting submissions through tough operational usability trials at the Police National CBRN Centre. Following further assessment by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch, the contract was awarded in February 2008, and is available for all UK Emergency Services under a framework agreement
Manufactured by Helmet Integrated Systems Ltd (HISL) the ER1(3) helmet is the latest addition to their extensive range of helmets used internationally by the Police for public order duties, by the fire and emergency services, and by military and civil aircrew.
Weighing less than 800 grms, the ER1(3) helmet is manufactured from heat and impact resistant thermoplastic, and has an integral polycarbonate optically correct protective visor to provide eye protection when a respirator is not being worn. The headband, browpad, and chinstrap are adjustable to enable the helmet to be worn with and without the respirator and hoods, and donning adjustments can be made with gloved hands.
The contract for the ER1(3) helmet has been awarded to Remploy Frontline, who will supply the initial order of 12,000 helmets for inclusion with the existing CR1 (Civil Responder One) UK police CBRN protective kit, which comprises the Remploy dual layer Britannia /Peeler suits, gloves, overboots, a hydration vest, together with the Avon FM12 respirator and filter canister. Photograph above left.
A crucial requirement of the helmet capability and trial process was to establish that the helmet should be comfortable to wear for extended periods, and at the same time not interfere with the protective seal between the wearer’s face, the respirator, and the hoods of the protective suit The photograph above right shows the helmet undergoing testing to establish that the respirator faceseal continues to provide the protection factor in excess of that required by EN 136:1998.
Further details can be obtained from:
Bob Gaskell at Helmet integrated Systems Ltd
+44 (0) 1462 478080
Jim O’Hara at Remploy Frontline Ltd
+44 (0) 845 241 2990